“So…where exactly are we heading?”
“It’s nothing formal,” she says as we weave through the crowd. “Just the females gathering. We sit, talk, trade things…keep each other sane.”
She laughs softly. “Some call us the Circle. Mostly because we talk in circles once we get going.”
I can’t help my smile. “That actually sounds nice.”
“Hit him again!” someone roars nearby.
The noise pulls my attention to a circle of demons in protective leathers. In the middle are two fighters already slick with blood. One swings, another dodges, and a burst of fire lights up their faces. I wonder if Zarreth ever stepped into one of these rings. It wouldn’t surprise me.
Topless dancers slip between groups, red painted over their naked bodies. Kids shriek near bursts of magic, and music is all around. Normally I’d be anxious in a large crowd, but this is nice.
The scent of burning coals threads through the chaos, different from the fire smell tied to the realm. “I’m stealing my mate,” Zarreth announces, as strong arms circle me from behind.
“Don’t keep her too long.” Anatha pats his cheek, nodding toward a tent. “I’ll just be inside.”
He turns me in his arms, running kisses down the side of my neck.
“What was that for?” I ask, not that I’m complaining. Now that I’m able to have sex without having a panic attack, I’m eager for more.
“Nothing.” His smile is so bright I want to melt. “It just feels good to be back here with my mate. How are you getting along with everyone?”
I return his smile with one of my own. “I love your mom so much! I’ve already invited her to come stay with us in the Mortal Realm someday.”
The little sound he makes when he’s happy slips out. His mouth finds mine, soft at first, warm enough to melt every thought in my head. My fingers curl into his shirt as the kiss deepens. I want more.
“Let’s go, Z! You can eat her face later,” someone shouts.
Zarreth’s lips pull into a grin as he pulls away. His eyes burn into mine, holding a promise that makes my toes curl. “Soon,” he growls. “I’ll have you to myself.”
Heat pools between my thighs, anticipating the moment that happens. I drag my finger down his chest, wetting my lips. “Not soon enough.”
CHAPTER 13
Frankie
The tent is louder than I expect when I step inside. A few females glance up. One lifts her mug in a quick greeting. Another nudges the female beside her and nods toward me, curious but not unfriendly.
Anatha spots me right away. She crosses the space with a bright grin and presses a mug into my hand. “Here. Try this. It’ll help you settle in.”
I follow her deeper inside, careful not to knock over the mugs and bowls covering the low tables. Roasted spice hits my nose. A few females shuffle aside to make space as we pass, giving me quick once-overs and returning to whatever they were doing.
Beleth pats the empty cushion next to her. But Anatha lifts her mug and motions to me.
“This is Frankie, Zarreth’s mate,” she announces. Her words are full of so much pride, it aches.
“She’s already family,” Beleth adds.
The red-skinned female from earlier raises her mug. “First mating in decades. The fates chose well. Welcome.”
The kindness catches me a little off guard and I need to swallow so I can speak. “Thank you. I’m glad to meet you all.”
The noise shifts as we finally sit. Laughter rises from a group on the left. A cluster of females sit on cushions, all focusing on a female with horns as black as the obsidian mountains. They’re striking against her golden hair. Her violet gaze meets mine, and her smile softens. I see why her friends hang on every word.
She leans toward the females beside her and murmurs something. They glance over at me, shaping their expressions into polite smiles. These must be the cool kids.
Placing her mug on the table, she leans forward. “We should welcome her,” she says warmly. “It’s been ages since a true mate walked into this tent.”
